Feeling Unwell? Pay Attention to the Pattern
Illness does not always show up the same way. Sometimes it builds over several days. Other days, it seems to strike out of nowhere. You may brush it off as a mild cold, but if exhaustion shows up fast, flu could be the real reason.
We see this often at Absolute Urgent Care—patients unsure what hit them, just knowing they do not feel right. People walk in unsure of what is going on. That is where we step in—to sort the symptoms and guide the next steps with clarity and care.
Cold or Flu? Watch for These Signs
The symptoms may look alike in the beginning. But the way they progress offers some clear clues.
Colds usually come with:
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing and mild cough
- Low-grade or no fever
- Scratchy throat
- Mild body aches
The flu tends to show:
- Sudden high fever (above 101°F)
- Full-body chills and fatigue
- Dry cough that worsens
- Headaches and dizziness
- Sore throat and strong muscle aches
If you go from fine to miserable in just a few hours, it may not be a cold—it could be the flu.
How Long It Lingers
Colds take their time. Symptoms come on gradually and hang around for a week or more. You might still function, but feel tired.
The flu shows up fast. Most people feel drained for five to seven days, sometimes longer. Even when the fever breaks, energy may not return right away.
Some flu cases turn into:
- Bronchitis
- Ear infections
- Sinus problems
- Pneumonia
Colds rarely cause complications like those.
Knowing When to Seek Help
It is okay to rest and recover at home—unless things get worse. If your symptoms do not improve or they hit hard from the start, do not wait it out.
Visit us if you notice:
- A fever that lasts longer than two days
- Shortness of breath or tight chest
- Severe headache or dizziness
- Vomiting that prevents eating or drinking
- Coughing that makes it hard to sleep or breathe
Our walk-in urgent care clinic sees patients daily with these symptoms. Fast testing helps us figure out if it is the flu—and whether medication can help.
What to Expect When You Come In
If we suspect the flu, we will likely run a simple swab test. The results come back quickly. If the test is positive, we might recommend antiviral medication. It works best when started within 48 hours of symptoms appearing.
Cold treatment is different. Since it is viral and milder, we focus on comfort and monitoring. We may recommend over-the-counter medication, fluids, and rest. Either way, you will leave knowing exactly what to do next.
Simple Ways to Stay Ahead
Getting sick is not always avoidable, but prevention helps. Protect yourself and others by sticking to the basics:
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid touching your face
- Disinfect shared surfaces
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay home when you feel unwell
- Get your annual flu shot
These habits may seem small, even easy to skip—but they make a real difference. Regular handwashing, yearly flu vaccines, and knowing when to rest can all help you avoid getting sick in the first place.
And if you are already feeling off? Just walk in. We will check your symptoms, figure out what is going on, and guide you forward. At Absolute Urgent Care, getting answers is fast, easy, and judgment-free. Our walk-in urgent care team is ready when you are.
